Pepperdine Student Veteran Services
With an enrollment of more than 500 military-connected students, Pepperdine is committed to providing a wide range of programming, recognition, and financial assistance opportunities for our growing veteran community.
Since Colonel (Ret.) Eric Leshinsky was appointed as the inaugural director of Pepperdine Student Veteran Affairs in 2020, he has expanded services for Pepperdine’s military-connected community and led the effort to open the PeppVet Center—the first University-funded, on-campus resource center for all undergraduate and graduate military-connected students.
Building on this foundation of support, Pepperdine’s Student Veteran Affairs is dedicated to strengthening a community of shared purpose that meets the needs of military-connected students and fosters camaraderie as they navigate their academic and personal journeys. Through a comprehensive array of resources designed to serve those who have served, continue to serve, or will serve—as well as their families—Leshinsky provides dedicated support and guidance on educational benefits, academic success, and career development, while also organizing community-building activities, networking, and mentorship opportunities. We invite you to partner with us to ensure every military-connected student at Pepperdine thrives academically and is prepared for a meaningful new career path after graduation.
Behind Pepperdine’s scenic Malibu vistas lies a profound legacy of military service. As Armed Forces Day approaches, this article honors the remarkable journeys of the university's veterans—from a retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel with six combat deployments to student-veterans discovering their "next mission" in the classroom. Discover how these community members are transforming their extraordinary training into lives of purpose, scholarship, and continued service.
PeppVet Center
The PeppVet Center is housed on the first floor of the Thornton Administrative Center on the Malibu campus. It is a welcoming place where students can meet with the director, engage with special guests, use study spaces, and gather with fellow students between classes. The center also aids in recruitment, serving as an inviting space for prospective students and their families to learn more about our military-connected community.
PeppVet Center Services include:
- Dedicated support for veteran recruiting and prospect follow-ups
- Semiannual New Student Orientation and PeppVet welcome sessions
- Priority class registration privileges for all veterans and ROTC cadets
- Military honor cords (red, white, and blue) for all University commencement ceremonies
- PeppVet Council made up of military-connected students representing PeppVets
- University-wide military-connected student club building camaraderie and engagement
- Pepperdine veterans website to help to connect and serve our military community
- Monthly PeppVet newsletter providing community information and benefits updates
- Monthly networking, career development, and benefit sessions at PeppVet Center
- Dedicated alumni engagement and mentorship networking opportunities
- PeppVet Center promotional and morale-building items (challenge coins, hats, T-shirts, etc.)
Events and Programs
- Annual Veterans Day Luncheon at the Brock House (President’s home)
- Annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony and first-flag volunteer event
- Annual Family Day Barbeque and Graduation Ceremony at the Reagan Presidential Library
- Annual Career Mentoring Forum for current PeppVets and alumni mentors
- Annual ROTC commissioning ceremony at Heroes Garden
- Annual Veterans and Military Appreciation Night at a Waves basketball game
- Annual Military Day at the Ballpark featuring a Waves baseball game
- Annual PeppVet Days at the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Dodgers
- Monthly outings (hikes, tennis, surfing, group visits to Channel Islands, etc.)
- Monthly socials and outreach with local veterans’ groups and organizations
- Bible study sessions that build resiliency through faith
The University’s history of serving veterans dates back to its founding in 1937. From World War II to post 9/11, Pepperdine has championed the educational journeys of service members and their families. Today, more than 250 students benefit from Pepperdine’s participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program, representing an annual University investment of nearly $3 million in tuition support. Unlike some private universities, Pepperdine does not limit the number of eligible students who may apply for and use Yellow Ribbon benefits at any one time.
To learn more about supporting the Student Veteran Affairs programs, resources, and services, contact one of our giving officers.
To learn more about impact of our veteran community on campus visit the Pepperdine Veterans webpage.